Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to catch those responsible for the killing of six hostages by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that whoever murders hostages does not want a deal and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing a deal and ensuring the country’s security. The negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over border corridors and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, as demanded by Hamas.
In the midst of this, a large-scale polio vaccination campaign has begun in the Gaza Strip, aiming to reach 640,000 children. Amid the conflict, Israel has agreed to limited pauses in fighting to facilitate the vaccination campaign, although reports of continued airstrikes on Gaza highlight the ongoing violence.
The situation escalated further with the discovery of the bodies of the six hostages, leading to calls for a mass protest by a group representing the families of the hostages. The families blamed Netanyahu for failing to secure a deal with Hamas for the hostages’ release. This tragic development has prompted statements from world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, vowing to hold Hamas accountable for the deaths.
Additionally, the wider crisis in the Middle East continues, with ongoing military offensives and clashes resulting in numerous casualties. The situation remains volatile, with risks of further escalation, as highlighted by the head of the UN peacekeeping force. The EU has also initiated a process that could lead to sanctions on Israeli ministers for inciting hate messages against Palestinians. The region remains on edge, with efforts ongoing to address the root causes of the conflict and bring about peace.
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